Fair Grounds Picks: Black Cat S. crosses our handicapping path on March 12

The Fair Grounds Racetrack returns for another weekend! March is in full swing, with stakes races aplenty. We are headed towards the Louisiana Derby! On Saturday, we have a solid "stakes race" that is particularly tough ... The Black Cat! We have you covered with all the other action on this card.  

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered! It is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned! If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Saturday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below. Do not forget to follow us on Twitter ... @Horseracing_USA ...

Most Likely Winner: (Race 7: Buckingham Palace #7, 3/1):

These offspring of budding sire Klimt are running well on the dirt whenever they enter in North America. I like this sire, and think he has some ability to influence even further. This is a 3-yr-old colt that comes into a somewhat easier class position than he had last time. His record for Norm Casse is quite good, after running at all sorts of tracks from Ellis, Saratoga, Churchill, and last time at Oaklawn. Marylou Whitney Stables might not have the benefit of their patriarch, but her spirit lives on. This colt has a strong “geared” running style, and I expect Adam Beschizza to be in a good spot when the time comes. I would think that after that tough conditioned race in Hot Springs, Casse has him ready to move forward.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #7

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 6: Logical Myth #1, 10/1):

With moisture in the forecast, we would do well to plan accordingly … Here is one of 2 entries for trainer Joe Sharp, and I especially like this half of the uncoupled entry. A seasoned gelding by Data Link, he comes back to the Fair Grounds after running in the John B. Connally Turf Cup (G3) back in late January. His last 3 races do not look too inviting, but I think that is about to change. Adam Beschizza is getting his 3rd try aboard him, and I think the break over February was just what he needed. This is a turfer that needs a fair amount of pace to run into, and he is going to get it this afternoon in the Crescent City. I expect his odds to be near double-digits come post time, and he is certainly going to enjoy the class relief. What a buy!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #1 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Turf, 1 Mile, Allen Black Cat LaCombe Memorial S., $75k, 3F):

As mentioned, with rain coming in overnight on Friday, you will have to check the conditions on Saturday. I would imagine there will be some “give” to the Stall Course, and keeping that in mind will be of use. Horses prefer certain kinds of ground, and by their nature, North American grass runners like it less than spongy. In this 3-yr-old filly spot going 2-turns, I am all-in on Brad Cox’s Mariah’s Fortune #1. She already has 5 career races under her saddle, and even though she has never tried the turf, I think this will be a seamless switch. She has already built some nice class to her name, running at Indiana Grand in MSW Co., and then at Oaklawn in mid-December. That last race @OP was tough, and she handled it like a pro … running away with the prize by 8-lengths. The Eclipse Award trainer then sent her to the Fair Grounds, and she stepped up nicely—2nd in an OC50n1x. That is not easy to do. Her turf pedigree is actually very strong with both Pioneerof the Nile and Giant’s Causeway in the family tree. Cox goes with Marcelino Pedroza, and I know he thinks this is a rider with solid ability. If she is even remotely close to 6/1, then I consider her an overlay. I am going to put her on top, and roll the rest of the field underneath in an Exacta Wheel … maybe a super long shot will surprise everyone, securing the “Place” position. Here we go!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Wheel, 1 w 2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10

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Enjoy the hospitality that is New Orleans! Best of luck at the Fair Grounds! Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter … Horseracing_USA !!!